Under-rated band a paradox for mainstream

Your new favorite band

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Posted: 10/9/08

If you search for Ours' latest album "Mercy," you won't find many professional reviews.

The band's sound is too paradoxical for most listeners, even reviewers.

Though the production on Ours' last three albums has been undeniably slick and commercial sounding, the lyrical themes are incredibly dark and painfully personal at times.

These opposing elements generally don't work well in today's musical climate where most bands are preoccupied with being ironic and making a fashion statement.

But lead singer/songwriter Jimmy Gnecco isn't self-conscious or concerned with pandering to a certain indie crowd.

He just cranks out solid, honest rock 'n' roll and doesn't care what you think.

His voice is the best in pop music bar none.

Imagine someone with a voice between Jeff Buckley and Thom Yorke, and you'd get a gist of how powerful and expressive Gnecco's voice is.

Despite being ignored critically, the band has developed somewhat of a cult following.

The fandom had enough clout to get Rick Rubin (producer for Metallica, Beastie

Boys and The Mars Volta) to sign the band to his label and personally produce "Mercy."

It's doubtful that this will do anything to raise the band's popularity though.

It's is a shame, but it also makes perfect sense - the best talents are regularly ignored.

In a time where artists would rather be cynical than sentimental, Gnecco's music reminds us of a time when substance meant more than style.

- Wynn Sammons